Lee LeFever brings up an interesting point about the growth of online communities. The two factors that contributed to this are:

1. Lowering of Technical Barriers (hardware, connectivity, skill, interest)
2. Increased Understanding/ Positive Perceptions.

I think these factors have actually contributed to the growth of everything online. Years ago just using email was a feat, trust me, I had my share of embarrassing blunders. But now everything and anything possible has moved online. From online learning, ecommerce, banking, entertainment...it is becoming commonplace to find a way to accomplish tasks online.

Also because of this growth (prompted by the increase of users), developers are focusing more on building functionality around the user. They understand the importance of making it easy to use and intuitive. After all, you don’t just build a site for yourself; it is for other people to use.

So, this all benefits the user. It’s with all of these “positive” experiences with technology that the user then becomes more confident in their own technical abilities (with the aid of user oriented programmers). This encourages the user to try new things like joining an online community or taking steps to create their own blog. For some it may be baby steps but there is progress.